There have always been excellent neighborhoods in Atlanta, Georgia. Atlanta is an exciting city, known throughout the world for its culture and art. It is a great place to live as a single person, as well as a great city to raise kids or retire. However, with its benefits comes a cost… literally. The cost of living in Atlanta is 18% higher than in the rest of Georgia, and 5% higher than the national average. If you’re looking to move to Atlanta or to relocate to more affordable part of the city, you’ll want to look at some of the best up-and-coming neighborhoods.

When buying a home in Atlanta, no matter which neighborhood you choose, you will face certain unavoidable expenses. One thing you cannot afford to skimp on is homeowners insurance. The average cost of home insurance in Georgia is $1,376 per year. This may seem like a lot, but it is well worth it. If anything happens to your home, it will cover the major financial difficulties you’ll face.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the best affordable up-and-coming neighborhoods in Atlanta.

Cabbagetown

Cabbagetown has a lot going for it, with its benefits going far beyond its cute name. While it has low crime rates, that does not make it particularly expensive. In fact, the median monthly rent is just $1,184, which is significantly below the national average. This is not due to poor-quality rental units. On the contrary, you can get a cozy cottage or a comfortable shotgun home.

Not only is it affordable and safe, but Cabbagetown is also great for people who love going out to enjoy culture and nature. It has some lovely parks for picnics, including Esther Peachy Lefevre Park. You can enjoy a night of comedy at Dad’s Garage Theatre or go down the Krog Street Tunnel to take a look at the skills of local graffiti artists. There are excellent restaurants and it is easy to get around.

Candler Park

While buying a home in Candler Park is quite an expensive endeavor, renting is fairly cheap. In fact, with a median monthly rent of $1,083, it is even cheaper than Cabbagetown. What kind of home will you be living in? The neighborhood has bungalows and Victorian-style homes, with yards and lush surrounding greenery.

If you love to stay active, Candler Park has everything you need, with plenty of space to go biking or running, a well-kept golf course, a soccer field, and an excellent public pool. For lovers of culture, there is always an opportunity to catch a production at 7 Stages.

Candler Park has low crime rates and is rated as safer than 81% of Atlanta neighborhoods.

North Buckhead

Heading into more residential territory, North Buckhead is perfect for people looking to raise a family. With low crime rates and vast green spaces, the cost of owning a home is very high. However, the median rent is just $830 a month.

North Buckhead has phenomenal public schools and is relatively quiet. There are occasional block parties that bring the community together, but this is not a neighborhood for people looking for regular late nights out.

Lovers of nature can visit Blue Heron Nature Preserve, where there are hiking and bike trails, as well as rotating outdoor art installations. If you’re looking for some culture, you can find exhibitions at the Atlanta Innovative Art Gallery, although you will have a tough time finding exciting theater productions or clubs.

Underwood Hills

Underwood Hills is the cheapest neighborhood on this list, with low purchase prices for homes and median monthly rent of just $919. However, the crime rates are also higher than the other neighborhoods listed. It is still safer than 50% of Atlanta neighborhoods, though.

There is a lot of culture to enjoy in Underwood Hills, with regular shows at Fifth Place Comedy and plenty to see at Georgia Film Art. You can also visit The Works, an entertainment campus with restaurants and activities.

Living in Atlanta can be an incredible experience, especially if you love the local culture and art. It doesn’t have to be too expensive either, as the best up-and-coming neighborhoods prove.